Relational Series – TEAM LICENSE

Description

Session 1 | Responding Well When LGBT+ Youth Come Out

If parents have not anticipated their child coming out, the moment of disclosure can instantly toss them into a complex grief. One parent described the inward feeling as: “I want what I just heard to not be true.” Another parent said they more directly objected: “This can’t be true.” If a child is in a pile of tears, head down, and fearing their parents’ response to what they’ve just shared, a Mom and Dad – at the moment of shock – have to be an on-demand caregiver offering comfort. This is a perfect setup for relational mistakes – so join us as we look at how to respond well as LGBT+ youth come out. Pastors and “All Who Care” are encouraged to attend, because you are the frontline support for LGBT+ youth or their parents – or both! Your care approach makes all the difference! Grandparents and other family members are also invited to join us!

Session 2 | Navigating Belief Gaps Between You and LGBT+ Youth

Whether you are a pastor or a parent, it a common experience that next generation youth hold to different convictions or beliefs about a whole range of topics. The time of a young person coming out is not necessarily the time to discuss belief differences. But eventually, you may have questions for them – or they may have questions for you. A youth’s questions may not be stated as a question – it may get expressed as a desire to not attend church. They could be fearing what people will say to them – or hurt by what people have already said to them. We need to be skilled at navigating faith conversations when there is a belief gap between us and an LGBT+ youth. Pastors and “All Who Care” are encouraged to attend, because you may be the very person to whom LGBT+ youth ask about biblical beliefs. This is an opportunity to build trust and nourish faith in a young heart!

Session 3 | How to Engage and Care Well for Trans and Non-Binary Loved Ones

Gender minorities of all ages need family and the family of God to wrap our lives around their lives. It can be a cruel and dangerous world for transgender and non-binary individuals. Victimization, homelessness, suicide, assault, rape, and murder rates are high with trans females of color at greatest risk. Families need to be safe. Churches need to be safe. And yet the challenges are endless – with some relational gaps seeming too far to bridge at times. Vulnerable gender minorities need our engagement and thoughtful care more than ever. Pastors and “All Who Care” are encouraged to attend this session. We cannot make homes and communities of faith safe for gender minorities without your help. We welcome all family members, relatives, and friends of trans and non-binary people to join us!

Session 4 | Pastors and Parents Partnering to Meet LGBT+ Youth Needs

Every parent of every LGBT+ child will need a support network wrapped around their entire family. We meet amazing pastors who walk with such parents in beautiful ways. We also meet parents who feel they are very isolated from their church following an LGBT+ child coming out. We want parents to be confident in partnering with their pastoral leaders to ensure that an LGBT+ child’s needs are met. Pastors and “All Who Care” are encouraged to attend this session. When parents are short on a support network, all of us can play a critical role by encouraging them and walking with their family and caring well for their child. We welcome all family members, relatives, and friends of trans and non-binary people to join us!